Have you ever had this experience or one like it? Before hitting the bar, you told yourself that you would only have two drinks. That’s a sensible amount of alcohol, but once the drinks started to flow, you lost count. You told yourself that it’s ok to unwind after a difficult week and that next time, you will not drink more than you should. No doubt. But maybe there is doubt in your head that how you have been drinking recently is normal…or that you can stop when you need to stop.
Many people incorporate alcohol into a healthy lifestyle. Many people also become addicted to alcohol or abuse it. What’s the difference between healthy and unhealthy alcohol use? Skilled counselors have helped many people determine whether they may be forming an alcohol addiction or abusing it.
Thriveworks Cumming, GA’s therapists can assess their clients’ alcohol use and form a treatment plan to addresses any harmful habits.
Alcoholism: What It Is
Alcoholism is the more common name for alcohol use disorder—a disease that affects brain balance. When someone struggles with alcoholism, the chemical that makes them feel pleasure when they drink increases while chemical that controls impulses abates. The result is that people lose control of their alcohol consumption.
Alcoholics, people who have alcohol use disorder, may compulsively drink, be unable to control their drinking, and/or experience depressed or negative emotions when they do not have a drink.
Alcoholism has to do with a loss of control, and control can come in degrees. Therefore, alcohol use disorder has mild, moderate, and severe forms. There are also ways to use alcohol that are abusive or injuries but do not involve loss of control and, therefore, alcoholism.
When people struggle with alcohol use disorder may exhibit one of more of the following behaviors:
- Hiding or lying about their alcohol consumption
- Drinking alone
- Prioritizing drinking over friends, work, family, and hobbies
- Feeling annoyed or angry when unable to drink
- Craving alcohol
- Experiencing relational, employment, monetary, or legal problems because of alcohol use
- Drinking more to feel the same buzz or good feelings
- Vomiting, sweating, or shaking when unable to drink
Alcoholism and Other Health Problems
Alcoholism, in itself, is an important health problem, but alcohol can also cause other health troubles as it is in a person’s blood stream. Some of the health complications associated with alcoholism include …
- Gastritis
- Birth defects
- Liver disease
- Damaged pancreas
- Stroke
- Atrial fibrillation
- High blood pressure
- Cancer
- Diabetes complications
- Sight damage
- Osteoporosis
Recovery for Alcoholism
While alcoholism can be a devastating disease, there are effective treatment plans. For many people, reaching out for help from a therapist is the first step toward recovery. Therapists often use a multi-faceted approach. They may use one or more of the following strategies to increase their clients’ chances at recovery from alcoholism.
Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT)
When therapists use CBT, they seek out the underlying reasons for the alcohol use disorder. Counseling may explore when people first used alcohol, why they used, how they used it. Any negative beliefs or thoughts that contribute to the addiction may be replaced with positive, true ones through CBT.
Group Therapy
Group therapy or some form of a support group often plays a vital role as people recovery from alcoholism. These groups often give people the empathy and the accountability they need to reach sobriety. Therapists often include a support group or a form of group therapy within their treatment plan.
Medication
At times, medication may help people as they recover from alcoholism and pursue sobriety. Any medicinal treatment for alcohol addiction should always be overseen by a qualified therapist or physician.
Appointments for Alcoholism Recovery
Has alcohol become a problem in your life? Are you concerned but not sure what to do next? Would you like some help as you decide how to take on those concerns? The therapists at Thriveworks Cumming, GA get it. We have appointments available for alcoholism recovery and are ready to support you on your journey toward more control over the alcohol you consumer.
It may be good to know that if you call our office to schedule an appointment, we aim to care for you from the moment you dial. A few thing you can expect when calling our office …
- A scheduling specialist will answer.
- You may be able to see your therapist the next day.
- We offer evening and weekend appointments.
- We accept many forms of insurance.
Alcoholism can devastate people’s lives. Getting help sooner may save you and your loved one more heartache. Help is available. Call Thriveworks Cumming, GA today.
